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Glossary – Cookies

Cookies

Nikiforov Alexander
Friend of clients
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What are cookies and what are they for

Cookies are small pieces of data that are sent by a web server and stored in your browser. Each time you visit the site again, the browser sends these cookies back to the server, allowing the site to "recognize" the user and adapt to their preferences. This may include automatic login to a personal account, collecting user statistics, and creating personalized recommendations.

Cookies are used to store data on the client side and are typically applied for the following purposes:

  • User authentication;
  • Storing personal preferences and settings;
  • Collecting user statistics.

Each cookie contains important data, such as the file name, cookie value, expiration date, domain accessible to that cookie, path to the directory on the server, and the HttpOnly parameter, which protects the cookie from access via JavaScript, preventing data theft.

How cookies work

Cookies function as a means of storing information in the browser, but they do not operate independently—their value is determined by the server that the user accesses. When you enter the URL of a site, the browser sends a request, and if a cookie for that site already exists on your device, it is sent along with the request to the server. The server checks the cookie and uses the saved information to identify the user.

In the absence of a cookie, the server considers the user as a new visitor, which may require re-authentication or reconfiguration of the profile. Cookies also help track user actions, allowing sites to gather data on visitor behavior and generate corresponding recommendations and advertising offers.

The use of cookies is associated with the processing of personal data, and sites are required to obtain user consent for their use. In accordance with the legislation of the European Union (GDPR) and the Russian Federation (Federal Law on Personal Data), site owners must inform users about what data is collected, how it will be used, and with whom it may be shared.

To comply with the legislation, a "Privacy Policy" must be published on the site, which specifies the following aspects:

  • What data is collected;
  • How this data will be used;
  • The purposes of data processing;
  • Situations in which data may be shared with third parties;
  • Ways to change or delete one's data.

For example, in Ozon's "Privacy Policy," the facts of cookie collection and their purposes are specified. There may also be a separate "Cookie Policy" that details the cookies used and their purposes.

Managing cookies in browsers

In browsers, you can manage cookie settings, allowing users to control which cookies they want to save. Typically, you can:

  • Allow the saving and reading of cookies;
  • Delete cookies upon exiting the browser;
  • Block third-party cookies.

Third-party cookies are set by third parties, such as advertisers, and can be used to collect data on user behavior for ad targeting. It is important to remember that completely disabling cookies may lead to improper functioning of some sites, so it is recommended to disable them only in specific cases.

How to clear cookies

Regularly clearing cookies can be beneficial for several reasons:

  • Security—prevents access by other users to saved logins and passwords;
  • Stability—helps free up space on the hard drive;
  • Privacy—reduces the possibility of tracking user actions online.

To clear cookies, you can use the standard tools of the browser. For example, in Google Chrome, this can be done through the browser history by selecting the option to clear cookies. In other browsers, the process is similar, although it may differ slightly in interface.